Watkins Holds the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin Could Still Make the World Cup

Just one goal in his opening ten English top division appearances this campaign had plenty of questioning whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's prime were in the past.

Yet, a just four weeks afterwards, he has become the most discussed attacker in England following netting 7 goals in 6 straight games.

His newest goal, in a 1-1 draw against Sunderland, took his total to eight, seeing him become the highest English goalscorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Resurgence

The 28-year-old moved to Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year period with Everton that was hampered by injuries in its latter stages.

However, the numbers behind his comeback in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 system are truly remarkable.

His six-match scoring sequence puts him in elite company as just the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League outings.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run this long - his best is two separate five-match streaks.

And the only English striker to surpass Calvert-Lewin in recent years is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring run for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so tough to stop in this period? A recent opponent's manager described it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager said. "He's clever and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That instinct and positional sense inside the penalty area was what turned him into a popular figure at his former team.

Pundits highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a significant factor, enabling more players to occupy the box and occupy defenders, thus provided the striker a little more space.

"He is a archetypal centre-forward," noted a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a typical centre-forward's goal."

"I've experienced a lot since then. Lots of highs and lots of lows. A test of mentality and I've persisted and kept going... I've had faith and here I am now."

His manager has expressed complete confidence at this purple patch, reiterating that the player is "one of the best strikers" in the competition.

The England Conversation

Calvert-Lewin's return to form has inevitably fueled talks of an England return.

The former Sheffield United player has eleven England appearances, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Pundits believe the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can maintain this standard.

"He looks as fit as he has in a while," one remarked. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Fierce Rivalry

However, competition for places behind Harry Kane is intense.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, coming off a match-winning two goals versus Chelsea, is right now considered to be ahead in the pecking order, according to some analysis.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the advantage in terms of using his speed to get behind teams," it was noted.

"He also holds the advantage when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a major finals."

Ultimately, whether Calvert-Lewin is part of the squad could hinge on how many natural strikers the England manager decides to select.

"I think it might hinge on whether he takes two or three centre-forwards," an analyst concluded. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."